Lincoln Sneezed

by Brian Boyington

  Kennedy sensing the turn of the tide said: “Admiral, I see your point. I will send a message with HMS Hector, demanding that the Liberians turn over the murders and surrender the conquered land. If we accomplish our goals without military intervention, I will support the effort. While we are waiting, I expect all of you to produce a plan of engagement for the intervention, if it becomes necessary.”

  The next morning, HMS Hector sailed for Monrovia. Later that day, Symonds, Smythe, Haskins and Kennedy’s military advisors met to devise strategies for the intervention. At the same time, the regiments were drilled to acclimate themselves to the tropical heat.

  Monrovia.

  Warner assembled the Cabinet and requested that General Taylor attend. Warner explained the threat, which at first shocked, then angered the cabinet members. He then asked General Taylor for his assessment. Taylor stood in front of the map of Liberia to point out likely invasion routes. One of the cabinet members asked what expertise he had on the subject matter.

  Taylor replied: “I was an observer in the American Civil War as a guest of the Massachusetts Governor John Andrew. I was assigned to the staff of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and accompanied the regiment on numerous combat missions until the end of that war. I have also studied the tactics of famous generals including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Belisarius, Gustave Adolphus, the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon, Robert E Lee and Ulysses S Grant. From that wealth of information, I am confident I can plan this campaign.” Satisfied, the cabinet member sat down. President Warner said: “If there are no further questions, I will surrender the floor to General Taylor.”

  Taylor began: “With the reported number of troop ships observed, we must assume the worst and estimate that there will be more. There could be 15,000 or more soldiers, plus another two thousand Royal Marines.” He paused to let this sink in then pointing at the map continued. “If I were in command of that force, I would invade on two fronts. I would take a force 10,000 comprising of 7,500 British troops and 2500 native levies and force an opening at Port Roberts into Lake Piso and capture Bomi. From there they follow the highway to Monrovia.

  The 2nd front would be to force an entrance into Monrovia itself, with the remainder of the British Regiments and the Marines. If the Monrovia attack were unsuccessful, I would impose a naval blockade until the northern army could attack Monrovia. Then there would be a combined assault from the land and the sea.”

  A hushed silence descended on the room, with cabinet members looking at each other and whispering in groups. President Warner then asked Taylor: “How will you defend against such an invading forces.”

  Taylor replied: “The British should be unable to push their way past Fort Monroe and Fort Clay. The addition of the Parrot guns at both forts should keep them out of the harbor. The new defenses with the redoubts and bomb proof shelters should protect the troops against the naval bombardment. Once the fire ends, the defenders can man the battlements and stop any ground attack. There are platform hoists to raise and lower field pieces which will fire explosive rounds or grape shot as the need allows. The land south of Monrovia is very swampy and will make an attack from that direction very difficult. Pausing a moment, Taylor continued: “The main threat will be from the north.” Walking over to the map with a pointer stick, he identified the crossroads at the village of Amina.

  “A blocking force will be positioned on both of the roads leading to Amina. I suspect the British will use both, to speed their progress. Even so, they will have extended supply trains from marching through the tropical rain forest for over a week over narrow roads. We will build redoubts blocking both roads, and when the British form up to attack, we will cut their supply lines and block their line of retreat. If it all works to plan, we will defeat them separately.”

  President Warner looked impressed. He asked: “Who will lead these forces?” Taylor replied: “Colonel Driver is our most capable field commander. I propose to promote him to Brevet General and give him overall command of the Amina sector. I will control the forces defending Monrovia.”

  Warner asked: “How many trained troops do we have available.” Taylor answered: “Currently we have 40,000 trained soldiers. Colonel Driver will have 20,000 of them, and I will have the other 20,000. There are another 3,000 in training camps administered by Colonel Driver. Once graduated, they will become a reserve.” Warner then questioned: “Is Colonel Driver aware of his pending responsibilities”? Taylor answered: “After you had briefed me yesterday, I met with Colonel Driver. He appreciates our confidence in him and is eager for the challenge. He also understands that this information is completely confidential.” Warner leaned back in his chair, lit a cigar and said: “General Taylor, this is a sound plan. With GOD’S grace, we will weather this storm.”

  August 28, 1867

  HMS Hector sailed into the harbor on a diplomatic mission. Signal flags were raised aloft indicating peaceful intent and a Parley. HMS Hector was allowed to tie up at the dock reserved for foreign vessels. A carriage waited for Captain Jacobson, and another picked up the British Consul. Both arrived at the Capitol Building, and the Consul and Jacobson had a private conference before a joint meeting with Warner and the Cabinet.

  Captain Jacobson delivered the diplomatic pouch to President Warner. The message was an ultimatum from the Crown requiring Liberia to surrender those responsible for the deaths of the supposed missionaries into British custody, surrendering control of the conquered territories, admitting aggressive intent and agreeing to pay reparations for invading Sierra Leone. The penalty for refusal would be punishment involving an immediate naval blockade and if needed an invasion.

  Warner read the ultimatum aloud, then commented: “Well at least they did not require us to submit to British colonial rule.” He then folded the document in half, “Said lies, lies, and damnable lies. Those men were British agents sent on a mission to stir up trouble.” He then tore the ultimatum in half and said: “If it is a war that the Crown desires, then let them make the most off it.” Then with a flourish, he tore the ultimatum a second time, crushed it into a ball, placed it into the diplomatic pouch and handed it to Jacobson. The room erupted in applause, with many cabinet members pounding the table in defiance. Jacobson observed stoically, while the Consul appeared to be in near collapse. Warner stated: “Captain you may take your leave” and pointing to the Consul said derisively: “Take him with you. You will have two days to vacate the consulate. I guarantee your safety. My personal guardsmen will provide for your protection.”

  The British used the next two days to pack up the Consulate and sell the large furniture. On the morning of the third day, HMS Hector sailed out of Monrovia with the Consul and his staff as passengers.

  Chapter 9

  Government House, Freetown Sept 2, 1867

  The HMS Hector sailed into Freetown. Jacobson signaled Symonds flagship that an urgent meeting was required. The return signal Captain Repair on Board” was hoisted from the HMS Aurelius. Directly after Hector docked, Jacobson immediately took a carriage to the Aurelius. The Admiral’s flag lieutenant met him at the rail and escorted him aft to Symonds’ quarters. Jacobson saluted, passed over the diplomatic pouch and stood at attention. Symonds looked inside, could not suppress a smile and said: “I presume the answer is no.” Captain, at ease, sit down, what happened in Monrovia.”

  The next day, the military leaders met in Kennedy’s office. Attending with Kennedy were Symonds, Smythe, and Haskins. Kennedy placed the diplomatic pouch on the table, opened it and let the crushed paper ball roll across the table. He then said: “Gentlemen, we have our answer. I have interviewed our former Consul, and his tale closely collaborates with Captain Jacobson’s report to the Admiral. What are your strategies for the invasion”?

  Admiral Symonds began walking up to the map of Liberia holding a pointer. “The Royal Navy will set up a blockade of Monrovia here … and here. That is where most of their commerce arrives. The battleships will bom
bard and reduce the forts. That will soften them up for a ground assault. The first assault will be on Fort Monroe, which lies on the peninsula. With their guns silenced, we will be able to land followed by an attack on Fort Clay on the mainland. I estimate two weeks’ time from start of bombardment to the fall of the forts.” He looked around and saw nods of assent. He then resumed. “Their secondary port is Port Roberts on their north coast. It has a narrow channel which opens into Lake Piso. There we can sail up to the mercantile and fishing port of Bomi and capture it with Marines. The transports can follow and use it as a bridgehead.”

  General Smythe then took the floor, flourishing the pointer like a sword. “I plan to divide our regiments into two strike forces. I will accompany Admiral Symonds to Monrovia with 10,000 men including 7500 soldiers, 2500 native levies, with Marine support. Once Fort Monroe’s guns are out of action, the assault will begin from three sides. Once captured we will cross the bay and capture Fort Clay. That should cause the Liberians to surrender.”

  General Haskins then took the floor and was handed the pointer. He began: “After the Marines capture Bomi, my forces with an equal number of troops will move in two columns up the roads here and here to Amina. Once combined they will threaten Monrovia from the rear. The Liberians, faced with the potential of assaults from both sides, will be forced to submit.”

  Kennedy asked: “What preparations do you foresee the Liberians taking?” Both generals shook their heads in derision. Smythe spoke for both of them. “The Liberian Army might be competent when fighting against disorganized rebels and tribesmen. Our forces are Royal Marines and battle-hardened army regiments. They will quickly push any opposition aside.”

  Kennedy clapped his hands in delight. “If the timetable works, we will have punished Liberia before the Americans know we have won. Then the diplomats can settle on an agreement. When can you depart?” Smythe said: “We are loading the troop ships as we meet. I estimate two to three days to load them all plus their ordinance.”

  Symonds then said: “The blockading force of HMS Hector, HMS Valiant and two battleships HMS Glorious and HMS Goliath are being provisioned and will sail on the morning tide. Commodore Simmons assures me they should be on station in 2 days.” Stormy weather, with near hurricane force winds, delayed the provisioning of the fleet, including the blockading fleet for two days. On the third morning, they were able to depart. The sky was overcast as they steamed out of the harbor, with dark clouds on the horizon.

  Eastern Atlantic, 10 Miles North of Monrovia.

  USS Stonewall

  USS Stonewall was sailing towards Monrovia. At two bells of the third watch the masthead lookout called Sail-Ho 23 degrees north-northeast. Captain Powell sent an ensign aloft with a glass. The ensign soon shouted there were five warships including two ships of the line bearing down on them from the north east. Powell, knowing the ships must be from the Royal Navy wondered what had happened in the past two weeks. As a precaution, he ordered the Stonewall cleared for action, and the guns loaded, but not run out.

  Commodore Simmons, on the Goliath, ordered HMS Hector to intercept the USS Stonewall. Aboard USS Stonewall, Powell ordered the colors to be raised and set a course towards Monrovia. Captain Jacobson ordered full steam ahead to the boiler room, and the Hector surged forward. Powell, logging the occurrences, ordered the helmsman: “Maintain course and speed.”

  Within 2 hours HMS Hector came up on a parallel course about 1 mile off the port side. Jacobson, failing to attract Powell’s attention by signaling, fired a cannon, with the ball landing 100 yards off the port bow; a clear challenge to USS Stonewall.

  Powell, recording the time of the shot in his log book, said to his Executive Officer, “Mr. Mahan, return the compliment.” The Parrot Gun on top of the casement fired a shot which splashed down 100 yards in front of HMS Hector. At that point, Powell rang the bell signaling battle-stations and so noted in the log. HMS Hector altered course to close the range. Powell ordered a parallel course to meet him. The first high seas battle between ironclads was about to begin.

  Hector fired first, a full 16 gun broadside. Several balls struck USS Stonewall but bounced off the sloping 6” armor plate. The Stonewall returned fire. The turret guns fired first. The weight of fire from the 20” Dahlgren cannons smashed into Hector’s side, with one ball penetrating the 4” armor plate. The Parrot gun and the casement gun fired seconds later striking the same area. HMS Hector shuddered from the shock and fired a broadside. Two shells bounced off the turret which had rotated away to re-load, and several others ricocheted off the armor plate.

  The ships navigated a circular course trying to gain a position to rake the other. As the gun turret came around again, it stopped and fired a second salvo, which was immediately followed by the other two guns. All the shells struck within seconds blowing holes in the side of Hector. Wood and metal splinters flew everywhere cutting down sailors and officers alike. Several of Hector’s guns were out of action, and the fire was sporadic.

  Captain Jacobson ordered the Marines who were stationed on the fighting tops to fire on the Stonewall gunners behind the bulwark. Musket fire and swivel guns firing canister decimated the gun crew. Powell ordered the Gatling gun crews to suppress the Marines firing from the fighting tops. Elevating the barrels the Gatling guns fired as they could bear; one firing when the cannons pointed at Hector, the other when the turret rotated away. In less than one minute, the concentrated fire swept the Marines off their positions. With the rifle fire suppressed, replacement gun crews took over, and the wounded taken below.

  Stonewalls’ third four gun volley dismounted several more cannons, and one shell ricocheted off the top of the steam boiler rupturing a seam. The chief engineer ordered the main pressure relief valves opened to prevent the boiler from exploding. With the boiler out of pressure, HMS Hector lost speed and could not maintain its circular course.

  USS Stonewall crossed over Hector’s stern and the guns fired in sequence. At point blank range the bow Dahlgren and the Parrot gun stripped away the armor plating. The twin 20-inch guns fired through the unprotected stern, splintering the base of the mizzen mast which toppled over. Snapping cordage, coupled with falling spars, blocks and tackles shredded the main sail and littering the main deck with debris.

  The gun deck of HMS Hector was in havoc. Wood and metal splinters wounded dozens of crew members as the cannon balls plowed through men, guns, and bulkheads. Powell turned away to the stern of Hector to avoid the unfired starboard battery and to make another pass on the damaged port side. Then he noted that HMS Valiant was closing fast to aid her sister ship. Powell, observing that the Hector was taking on water and no longer a threat, altered course to meet the Valiant.

  HMS Valiant’s Captain Louis Simms was watching in horror as HMS Hector’s cannonballs bounced harmlessly off the Stonewall. He ordered his Armstrong breech-loading cannons to have full loads. The gun captains cautioned against that, as fully loaded Armstrong guns often had a breach explosion which rendered the gun useless and killed the exposed crew. Simms ordered it done anyway and fired the first broadside.

  Several shots hit, but all bounced off. However, two of Stonewall’s plates cracked. Stonewall’s return broadside was devastating. The two ships were only 100 yards apart, and the heavy cannon fire punched right through Valiant’s armor plate. Two guns were dismounted, and there were dozens of casualties from splinters. The next pass was more devastating; smashing into HMS Valiant as her crew tried to recover. With injured crewmen everywhere, Valiant was only able to return fire with a ragged broadside.

  Captain Simms looked over at USS Stonewall in frustration as the turret rotated back around. The 20-inch Dahlgren fire blasted through the opening amidships taking the funnel off the top of the boiler. Sparks flew everywhere starting fires. Simms struck his flag as his crew had to fight the fires to survive.

  The Glorious and the Goliath, while out of range approached in line. Powell seeing the size of the battleships and the condition of the
opposing frigates realized he had done enough, and broke off the battle. Valiant had technically surrendered. Hector was drifting, listing to port as her crew desperately tried to cut away the fallen mast. To fire into her again would be tantamount to murder.

  Commodore Simmons, knowing he was too far away to stop the carnage saw USS Stonewall bearing down on HMS Hector. However, with the boiler out, missing a mast and the sails shredded, HMS Hector was helpless. In frustration, he shouted, “For GOD’S sake Jacobson, strike your colors.”

  Captain Jacobson, his left arm in a sling watched in resignation as USS Stonewall approached with all guns pointed at his ship. He turned to the midshipman who was standing behind him and said: “Strike the Colors.” The midshipman breathlessly said, “Captain Look.” Jacobson turned to look as USS Stonewall tacked to starboard, and the turret rotated away. Captain Powell emerged from the pilot house and saluted Captain Jacobson’s bravery. Hector’s crew, expecting to be slaughtered, first looked in disbelief, then cheered loudly.

  As USS Stonewall steamed away, the battleships lowered boats to lend assistance to the Hector and the Valiant. Powell logged his account of the battle, noting the tactics of the Royal Navy and the superiority of USS Stonewall’s design and heavy armament. The brief era of ironclad broadside ships was effectively over.

  The battle was visible from the top of the battlements at Fort Monroe & Ft Clay. Officers had watched with telescopes eagerly reporting the details. When USS Stonewall altered course for Monrovia a huge cheer arose. As she sailed into Monrovia, the guns on both forts thundered in salute. As USS Stonewall steamed towards the dock a gathering crowd, waving Liberian and American flags waited. Also waiting was a carriage to take Captain Powell to the embassy. As Powell emerged from his cabin in dress uniform, with the log book under his arm, he said to his executive officer, Lt. Commander Mahan “Take good care of her while I am away.”